Editor's Note: The following first appeared in the University of Iowa's Hawk Talk Daily, an e-newsletter that offers a daily look at the Iowa Hawkeyes, delivered free each morning to thousands of fans of the Hawkeyes worldwide.

By JIL PRICEhawkeyesports.com

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- First-year University of Iowa head rowing coach Andrew Carter says the rowing community is talking and it is the Hawkeyes generating a buzz early in their regular season.

Iowa is receiving votes (six total) in this week's release of the CRCA/US Rowing Coaches Poll.

The Hawkeyes are looking forward to showing its fans what they are made of and bringing the buzz into a home competition Saturday at Lake MacBride in Solon, Iowa. The Hawkeyes will challenge defending NCAA Champions and No. 2-ranked Ohio State, No. 17 Louisville and Indiana.

"As a new coach one of the most exciting things is to see how our home venue functions and works," Carter said. "I'm looking forward to seeing how Iowa hosts a Regatta. It's always exciting to host because it's when we get the most support for our crews. We get a lot of people traveling here, families, supporters, friends of our students here on campus and people from our department. It's our opportunity to be seen out of our training environment.

"Fans can expect to see the defending national champions and the highest caliber of collegiate rowing in the United States. Big Ten rowing in general is one of the best in the country, so fans can expect to see collegiate rowing at its finest."

Taking on top caliber teams is a mainstay in Carter's coaching tactics. He knows that seeing the best early and often can only prepare the crews for success in the long run and considers experience the best measuring stick for progress.

"To see these teams during the regular season and get a sense of where we are and what we need to do to prepare for the Big Ten, which is certainly our focus throughout the season, is important," Carter said. "We were in the mix with Indiana last year and they are off to one of their best starts in a long time. This weekend is a great opportunity for us to do some foreshadowing for the Big Ten Championships."

This weekend's Regatta begins at 8:30 a.m. (CT) with the 2N8 race and continue until 11:30 a.m. Following a short break, session two will begin at 12:45 p.m. (CT) with a second 2N8 event. The Hawkeyes will race head-to-head against Indiana in the morning session and against Louisville in the afternoon session, which will conclude at 3:45 p.m.

"People should come out and watch because there aren't many chances that you'll get to see the Iowa rowing team take on the defending national champions," sophomore Edwina Flakemore said. "It's nice to be home and get the Hawkeye support behind you."

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events.
If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in a program sponsored by the University of Iowa Department of Intercollegiate Athletics , please contact the University of Iowa Department of Intercollegiate Athletics in advance at (319) 335-9247.

The University of Iowa prohibits discrimination in employment, educational programs, and activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, gender identity, associational preferences, or any other classification that deprives the person of consideration as an individual. The university also affirms its commitment to providing equal opportunities and equal access to university facilities. For additional information on nondiscrimination policies, contact the Director, Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity, the University of Iowa, 202 Jessup Hall, Iowa City, IA, 52242-1316, 319-335-0705 (voice), 319-335-0697 (TDD), diversity@uiowa.edu.